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Detail Pages
The Old Bell, Harpenden
Harpenden
AL5 3BN
Pub Type
Chef & Brewer (Spirit Pubs)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 2½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Old Bell
ORIGINAL REVIEW December 2010
Chef and Brewer chain pub with a standard menu of Brakes Brothers finest.The pub itself is divided in two with the bar directly infront of the front door.To the left is a large dining area with a door to the side patio.The decor and furniture is all very corporate but has been upgraded recently.To the right is a rustic style lounge with another section with a real fire and this is where you would feel more comfortable if you just wanted to drink.Two handpumps with,on my visit, London Pride and Adnams Spiced Winter Beer which was acceptable but not memorable.
The barstaff were friendly enough but the pub is unable to escape from the chain identity,so the overall experience is somewhat less than authentic.
UPDATE
Another refurb has taken the interior a bit more upmarket and there is little Chef & Brewer branding to be seen.There are now three handpumps working with,on my trip,Doom Bar,London Pride and TT Golden Best which was murky and in poor nick.I went in for lunch and was presented with a pie with very little filling and solid mash potato,reheated food service rubbish.I wont be hurrying back.
On 18th September 2014
- rating: 4
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Phantom Pigeon left this review about The Old Bell
Well it's a Chef and Brewer, so yes, it is more of a restaurant than a pub. Only problem is, it's not very good at being either. The current rating is 5/10. How on earth it is so high, I don't know.
On our visit, there was a lack of staff, atmosphere, comfort or warmth. We waited for about 40 minutes for our food, which, by it's temperature, had been sitting on a shelf for about ten of them.
As to the beer, I had a pint of Adnams Broadside. Now, I am a fan of Adnams beers, but if this had been my first, I would never have another one.
A pub to return to? NO.
On 29th June 2011
- rating: 1
[User has posted 96 recommendations about 88 pubs]